How to Prevent Roof Leaks
Sep 26, 2022
Roof leaks can be very costly. Water that gets into your home could go unnoticed for a long time because it’s coming in through the attic. This could allow it to cause a lot of expensive water damage inside your home. While this can be repaired, it’s best to prevent water damage in the first place.
The following tips could help you to prevent roof leaks before they start:
Tip #1
Have Your Roof Professionally Inspected
Unless you work as a professional roofer, it is not advised to inspect your roof on your own. Safety issues aside, there are certain issues and signs that a non-roofer may miss that can be expensive repairs in the long run. A professional knows exactly what to look for and can catch small problems before they become more serious. Some damage is also only visible from on top of the roof and it’s safer to let a professional with the proper training and equipment go up.
How Often Should You Have Your Roof Inspected?
At a minimum, your roof should be inspected once a year. If there’s a storm, you may want to have your roof inspected afterward even if hasn’t been a year since your last inspection, however.
Tip #2
Keep Your Gutters Well-Maintained
Your gutters actually play a major role in the overall health of your roof. If your gutters aren’t directing water away from your home or are clogging up, that water could remain on your roof and either cause damage, leak into the house, or both.
How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?
Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, once in spring and once in fall. It’s a good idea to check your gutters after bad weather as well.
Tip #3
Don’t Wait to Get Your Roof Repaired or Replaced
Getting your roof repaired or replaced can be expensive, but if your roof needs either, it’s essential to get it done as quickly as possible. This is because it could get a lot more expensive if the roof starts leaking while you’re waiting. In addition to paying for the replacement or the repair, you’d also have to pay for cleaning up and repairing water damage inside the house.
If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, consider replacing your roof preemptively so you don’t risk a leak.
When Should You Get Your Roof Replaced?
How long your roof will last depends on the type of materials used to make it.
- Shingle roofs – 15 to 30 years
- Tiles roofs – up to 50 years
- Metal roofs – up to 70 years
Tip #4
Look for Leaks in Your Attic
You should also regularly check for roof leaks. They’re a lot easier to repair when they’re small and if you find them early, you could prevent a lot of water damage. It’s not safe to go out on your roof to look there, but the leaks have to come inside somewhere. This means that there’s another place you can look for the leak: your attic.
When Should You Check Your Attic for Leaks?
Check your attic for leaks when it’s raining so that you can see the leak. Make sure to check around ventilation and any windows or skylights.
Tip #5
Trim the Trees Near Your Roof
If you have trees that are close enough to your home to have branches that hang over your roof, make sure to keep them trimmed. Tree branches could fall onto the roof and damage it, especially if there’s been a storm. Make sure that the branches don’t overhang your roof to avoid damage from falling debris. This can also help to prevent leaves from building up on your roof, which could cause mold and mildew to grow on your roof.
When Should You Trim Your Trees?
How often a tree needs to be trimmed depends on the type of tree, but between every 1 and 5 years is the average. Keep an eye on your trees for anything overhanging your roof.
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